Is NASCAR’s New Aero Package The Fix? Logano Says Maybe
Joey Logano is optimistic about NASCAR’s new aero package making its debut at Phoenix Raceway this weekend. (Photo by HHP/Tim Parks)
The purpose of the new aero package introduced this weekend at Phoenix Raceway for the NASCAR Cup Series cars is to improve the competition and quality of racing at certain short tracks and all street circuits this season.
The Cup Series drivers experienced the effects of the package for the first time during a Friday night practice session at the 1-mile oval in the desert. Defending champion Joey Logano is among a group of drivers who believe the changes bode well for progress for NASCAR competition.
“I have no doubt that this is the right path. Is it the solution? I don’t know if I would call it the solution, but it’s definitely the right direction to make the race better on the short distances,” said Logano.
The Team Penske driver was part of the test session NASCAR held at Phoenix Raceway in January to dial in the new package. According to Logano, of all the changes tried out in the test, “this is the best”. The package includes a change to a two-inch spoiler, as well as the removal of three diffuser moldings and engine bar trim. This should reduce the downforce by 30 percent.
Logano believes that the reduction in downforce will increase the driver’s influence behind the wheel. With less drag, a driver is forced to use the brakes more and make smoother movements – a factor that the No. 22 Ford driver expects will separate the field during Sunday’s race.
“One part that was a struggle last year was everyone was in the same lane and you couldn’t even move to find clean air,” said Logano, describing what it was like to have the next-gen car to race on a short track last season. “Well, you saw it in practice yesterday, cars got into second and third lanes.”
It might require an adjusted driving style, but Logano is largely embracing the new aero package.
So did Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing.
“I don’t know if I’m biased because I really like it, but I’ve made passes in practice that I know I absolutely wouldn’t have gotten with the old package,” Bell said. “I don’t know. I’m glad.”
Bell turned the 24th fastest lap during Friday night’s 50-minute practice session.
While Bell is optimistic the new package will help create ample passing opportunities during Sunday’s Ruoff Mortgage 500, he’s also cautious when it comes to discussing his thoughts on its long-term implications.
“It’s very, very early,” Bell warned. “I felt I could pass a little easier and hold my position easier if I followed the guys but we’ll know more on Sunday.”
The No. 20 Toyota driver has enjoyed a mixed string of results since the start of the Cup Series season at Daytona Int’l Speedway. Last weekend he finished third at the Daytona 500, 32nd at California’s Auto Club Speedway and fifth at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
He’ll be on the hunt for a second straight top-five finish in Phoenix.